Blue Ridge Parkway facilities close during government shutdown

Officials in North Carolina are urging people who want to travel on the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the fall foliage to consider making some plans.

The N.C. Department of Commerce's Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development says visitor centers and other staffed facilities have closed in the federal government shutdown, meaning travelers should consider how they plan to do their viewing.

Department tourism marketing director Wit Tuttell said that without comfort stations every 20 or 30 miles, travelers will want to find alternative places to take a break.

Tom Hardy of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association says the shutdown will have an impact on visitors. He says the parkway itself is still open.

State parks such as Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain are considered ideal stopping points. Reports from rangers at state parks across North Carolina are posted at visitNC.com/fall to keep leaf-watchers informed about foliage and other conditions.

Copyright 2013 byWXII12.com.The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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